Bowling: 'Action bowling ' Allen wins Greater Detroit Open

By Darrin Hill

TAYLOR -- For the past couple of years, the argument between crankers and strokers has been heated. The classic confrontation between power and finesse came to a head down in Taylor on Tuesday night as Patrick Allen upset Robert Smith to win the Greater Detroit Open. This was not only Allen's first national title, but the first place check of $40,000 is the most money that this "action bowler" has ever won.

Allen, a lefty from Terrytown, New York, is best know around New York for bowling in big money late night games. "That is where the competition is heated and the jackpots at huge," says Allen. "There was alot of people saying that I would never win a PBA tournament. Those guys are eating crow tonight."

This may have been Allen's first appearance in a championship round, but it didn't show in his bowling. In semifinal number 1, Allen had seven straight strikes to start the match against another power player, Jason Hurd. Hurd, who steamrolled over all his competition this week, was blindsided by Allen losing 259-160.

In the second semifinal match, Smith, who was the wildcard entrant, had seven straight strikes as well to open up his match against Chris Barnes. Barnes didn't get off to a good start by leaving the 4-6-7-10 split known as "Double pinochle". "I know that bowling against Robert (Smith), if I'm not with him stride for stride out the gate, I'm done," says Barnes. "Nothing was stopping Robert." Barnes did battle back matching Smith strike for strike. But, it wasn't enough. Smith beat Barnes, 279-255. Smith also beat Walter Ray Williams, Jr. in the wildcard match to advance, 247-231.

In the championship match, Smith of Simi Valley, California, had trouble stringing strikes together. "After I threw my first ball on the right hand lane, I kinda noticed that the lanes were breaking down," said Smith. "I thought about changing ball. Maybe moving acouple of boards. But, before I knew it, the match was over." Allen put Smith in a deep hole by striking in the first five frames. Smith fought bravely, but was bite by the split bug at the worst time. Smith left the 2-4-8-10 split in the eight and the 3-4-6-10 in the ninth. Allen missed a 7-pin spare convertion. It really didn't matter by that time. Allen won easily, 236-204.

After the match, Allen was mobbed by a group of youngsters in a quest of a autograph from the first time champion. "I'm overwhemmed," says Allen. "This whole experience hasn't sunk in yet. If I'm dreaming, don't wake me up." Smith earns $20,000 for his second place finish. Barnes and Hurd recieve $10,000 tying for third place and Walter Ray Williams, Jr. adds $9,000 for finishing fifth. The PBA Tour heads to North Brunswick, New Jersey for next week's PBA Johnny Petraglia Open.

Darrin Hill is a freelance writer.